What’s In my Pack?

What’s In my Pack?

By Jessica Graham

We are finally approaching the days turkey fanatics look forward to every year, the opening days of turkey season. Turkey hunting captivates hunters with exciting and adrenaline-fueled experiences of toms strutting and gobbling all around. It blends the thrill of the chase with the peaceful beauty of the natural world. Whether you are an experienced hunter or a newcomer to the sport, the challenge of pursuing and bagging a wild turkey in Iowa will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. One thing I have learned about turkey hunting, is that there can be action all day long, so be prepared to extend your hunt into the afternoon hours. It’s important to have the gear you need to keep you out in the field. Here are some suggestions for gear to make your hunt as successful as possible.

Ammo
I always keep an extra box or two of turkey loads in my pack. I have a friend that only loads his gun, and doesn’t bring any more shells. In the past he has had to chase down turkey and desperately wished he had one more shot. No matter your preferred ammo, make sure it doesn’t limit you and bring your hunt to an end before you are ready. Carry extra ammo with you, as sometimes we miss or need a follow-up shot.

Blinds
When it comes to turkey blinds, a lot depends on how you are going to hunt, and how you want to hunt. Bowhunters know the importance of using blinds to conceal movement for shot opportunities. Some hunters, both gun and bowhunters, will set up a stationary blind and use it through the season. However, if you’re hunting public land, or you want to move closer to turkeys, you need to have a way to transport you blind and chair. This is where a quality ground blind pack is useful. It allows you to put a pop-up blind, chair and some more gear into a large backpack. Yes, they’re heavy, but they can help you transport your blind across public ground and closer to gobbling toms. If you are more of a run-and-gun hunter, you might not want to carry around a bulky blind. Instead, you might want a short portable blind. These usually have stakes or hubs that pop out, they’re not very tall, usually 30 inches or less. Redhead, Ameristep, and Primos all make these portable blinds that can help add some more cover when you’re hunting in an area with minimal brush.

Calls
Ah, turkey calls! One of the most important tools in a turkey hunter’s arsenal. There are several different types of calls that hunters use to lure in curious toms, each with its own unique sound and purpose.

For close distances, you might use a diaphragm call or a slate call. These calls produce sharp, high-pitched yelps and clucks that are perfect for getting a bird’s attention and drawing it in close. Diaphragm calls take a lot of practice, but they keep hunters’ motion to a minimum when turkeys are close. When you’re trying to reach a bird that’s further away, you might opt for a box call. These calls produce deeper, more resonant sounds that can carry much further across the landscape. I like to have at least a couple different calls. Sometimes a tom will not be very interested in one call, and switching to a different one can bring his attention back to you.

It’s also important to use the right call at the right time. For example, a soft purr call is great for coaxing a bird into shooting range, while a loud cackling call can be used to excite a bird and bring it running. With practice and experience, you’ll get a feel for which calls to use in different situations. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, mastering the art of turkey calling is an essential part of the hunt.

Decoys
We all have different preferences for decoys. A friend of mine, who taught me how to bowhunt turkeys, likes to use a breeding hen with a feeding hen and jake combo. Several years ago, turkey reaping was popularized by a southern Iowa native. With that said, sometimes toms will get hung-up out of range. It can be helpful to have a fan, or a turkey decoy that you can hide behind and sneak closer to the tom. It can help you get closer and get a shot opportunity at a tom. I usually bring a Tactacam turkey fan that mounts on my gun or bow for this purpose.

When you are turkey hunting this year, remember to have a few essential calls, extra, ammo, decoys, and blinds to leverage every opportunity a tom presents. Of course, there’s always more to learn and more gear to add to your collection, but with the essentials in hand, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable hunting experience.